Imagine this.

It’s the weekend, the plans are set for dinner and a movie at the theater, and you don’t have to go any further than Athens. Wow, what a break –– there’s less traffic, it’s closer to home and a little lighter on the wallet.

This is the scenario that’s not too far in the future for those who like to go to the theater without the journey to Huntsville or Decatur.

It’s coming along really well, said Carlene Freehauf of a new five-screen movie theater currently under construction, which is expected to open in May.

Freehauf and her husband Ralph own the theater as well as the Cinemagic drive-in theater located off Jefferson Street in the area behind Kentucky Fried Chicken. Between the two, they have 25-30 years of experience in the theater business.

“Mission Impossible 3,” starring Tom Cruise and “Cars,” a children’s flick are just a couple of the movies that could be shown at the theater, depending on what’s out the time the theater opens.

Currently sheetrock, electrical and plumbing are being done at the facility and in April equipment such as projectors, screens and seats are expected to be installed. It’s going to be a state of the art facility, according to Freehauf. It will be equipped with a concession area, digital sound, stadium seating, and large screens and will be open 365 days a year.

“Theaters never close,” Freehauf said.

She said that rating codes will be strictly enforced and if the rating is such that parental guidance is necessary, then only a parent will fill that role.

The drive-in theater will continue to be operating on a seasonal basis.

The drive-in, which is normally open in the summer time, could get an increase in hours depending on the business.

Ticket prices for night movies for adults will be $7 and $5 for children and seniors. Matinee prices for everyone will be $5.

Freehauf said they would probably hire a couple of new employees for the indoor theater but it will mostly use people who worked with the drive-in.

This will be the only indoor theater in Athens.